HC Deb 18 March 1968 vol 761 cc11-2W
53. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister of Labour what proposals he has to change the structure of the Youth Employment Service and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gunter

As the reply is a lengthy statement I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

When I gave a general welcome to the recommendations of Lady Albemarle's Working Party on the Youth Employment Service I said that I proposed to consult local authority associations on those recommendations whose implementation would require legislation.

These consultations have taken place. I have also received advice from my National Youth Employment Council. The issue with which all those who have advised me have been most concerned is the dual system of local administration. It is the virtually unanimous view that the dual system should go. The majority of those consulted believe that the youth employment service should be provided locally by local education authorities if, as they assume, such authorities will eventually become fewer and bigger. There is, however. a body of opinion that feels strongly that the door should not be closed to more radical changes in the system which would enable careers and occupational advice to be given to all those who seek it, whether young or old, by a single specialist organisation.

I have been impressed by the developments that have taken place in recent years in the provision of advice in schools by careers teachers and counsellors, and I have no doubt that the vocational guidance of young people must be closely linked with these and other developments in the educational process. I am not convinced, however, that the right answer at this moment is simply to require all educational authorities to provide the service. In the first place I believe it would be unrealistic to take any decisions when the structure and functions of local authorities are currently being examined by two Royal Commissions. I am also concerned lest we create a fixed pattern for the service at a time when it should remain sufficiently flexible to benefit from the new and far-reaching developments in schools and in further and higher education and in industrial and commercial training. I believe too that there is considerable scope for experiment in forms of co-operation in this diverse field before decisions are taken.

It may be that when the Royal Commissions have reported we shall find that a service provided everywhere by local authorities is the best course in the circumstances. I do not wish to prejudge that. I do think it important, however, that we should in the meantime examine very carefully the practical implications of such a change in structure and the steps that would have to be taken to ensure coordination with other public employment services. Of one thing I am certain. There will in any circumstances be a strong and growing need for the skill and enthusiasm of the youth employment and careers officers who run the service. And there is another point I would emphasise. The Albemarle Report gave an impetus which I am determined shall not be lost during this interim period. None of us will be distracted from the continuing duty of improving the facilities which the service provides.